Antiplatelet antibody predicts platelet desialylation and apoptosis in immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by dysregulated B- and T- cell functions, which lead to platelet destruction. A well-recognized mechanism of ITP pathogenesis involves anti-platelet and anti-megakaryocyte antibodies recognizing membrane glycoprotein (GP) complexes, mainly GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa. In addition to the current view of phagocytosis of the opsonised platelets by splenic and hepatic macrophages via their Fc γ receptors, antibodyinduced platelet desialylation and apoptosis have also been reported to contribute to ITP pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the relationship between the specific thrombocytopenic mechanisms and various types of anti-platelet antibodies has not been established. In order to ascertain such association, we used sera from 61 ITP patients and assessed the capacity of anti-platelet antibodies to induce neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) surface expression, RCA-1 lectin binding and loss of mitochondrial inner membrane potential on donors’ platelets. Sera from ITP patients with detectable antibodies caused significant platelet desialylation and apoptosis. Anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibodies appeared more capable of causing NEU1 surface translocation while anti-GPIb/IX complex antibodies resulted in a higher degree of platelet apoptosis. In ITP patients with anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibodies, both desialylation and apoptosis were dependent on FcγRIIa signaling rather than platelet activation. Finally, we confirmed in a murine model of ITP that destruction of human platelets induced by anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibodies can be prevented with the NEU1 inhibitor oseltamivir. A collaborative clinical trial is warranted to investigate the utility of oseltamivir in the treatment of ITP

Towards a global partnership model in interprofessional education for cross-sector problem-solving

Objectives A partnership model in interprofessional education (IPE) is important in promoting a sense of global citizenship while preparing students for cross-sector problem-solving. However, the literature remains scant in providing useful guidance for the development of an IPE programme co-implemented by external partners. In this pioneering study, we describe the processes of forging global partnerships in co-implementing IPE and evaluate the programme in light of the preliminary data available. Methods This study is generally quantitative. We collected data from a total of 747 health and social care students from four higher education institutions. We utilized a descriptive narrative format and a quantitative design to present our experiences of running IPE with external partners and performed independent t-tests and analysis of variance to examine pretest and posttest mean differences in students’ data. Results We identified factors in establishing a cross-institutional IPE programme. These factors include complementarity of expertise, mutual benefits, internet connectivity, interactivity of design, and time difference. We found significant pretest–posttest differences in students’ readiness for interprofessional learning (teamwork and collaboration, positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities). We also found a significant decrease in students’ social interaction anxiety after the IPE simulation. Conclusions The narrative of our experiences described in this manuscript could be considered by higher education institutions seeking to forge meaningful external partnerships in their effort to establish interprofessional global health education

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Family risks and adolescent adjustment in Chinese contexts: testing the mediating role of emotional intelligence

The present study tested the mediating role of adolescents’ emotional intelligence for the effects of family risks on adolescent adjustment in two Chinese settings, namely Hong Kong and Macau. A total of 804 Chinese adolescents (36.3% female) in Hong Kong (n = 441) and Macau (n = 363) completed a set of self-reported questionnaires. Findings based on path analysis suggested that economic stress was positively associated with family conflict. In addition, family risks including economic stress and family conflict were inversely associated with adolescents’ emotional intelligence and prosocial behaviors, and positively associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems. Bootstrapping supported emotional intelligence as a mediating mechanism between family risks and adolescent adjustment, as indexed by their prosocial behaviors, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems. Multi-group path analysis further demonstrated gender similarities in the risk and protective processes underlying adolescent adjustment. Extending the findings based on studies conducted in Western contexts, the present research indicated the detrimental effects of family stressors, including economic stress and family conflict, on adolescent functioning in Hong Kong and Macau. Findings contributed to the growing literature that delineates risk and protective processes underlying adjustment outcomes in Chinese adolescents

The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective. To evaluate clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods. Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inception through December 2012. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Effects of qigong across trials were pooled. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Study quality was evaluated using the Wayne Checklist. Results. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), group newspaper reading (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.84), and walking or conventional exercise (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.19), which might be comparable to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy (P=0.54). Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion. Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management of depressive symptoms, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of RCTs and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted

Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) for Malaysian Undergraduate Students

The 8-item Short Grit Scale (Grit-S; Duckworth & Quinn, 2009) is a measure of the two aspects of grit: consistency of interests and perseverance of effort. While the majority of the past studies supported the two-factor model, some found cultural differences. Two studies were carried out to test the factor structure of the Grit-S in a sample of Malaysian undergraduate students (total N = 1109). Exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) revealed two factors. Item 2 for perseverance subscale was removed due to unsatisfactory factor loading. Further analysis of the seven items supported the two-factor model. Confirmatory factor analyses (Study 2) supported the superiority of the two correlated-factor model with 7 items. Moreover, the consistency and perseverance scores showed acceptable internal consistency. The current research contributes to the literature by lending further support to the theoretical two-factor structure of the Grit-S and revealing potential cultural differences in the items. Future studies are thus recommended to address these cultural differences and confirm the usability of the 7-item Grit-S in the Malaysian context

Schisantherin A protects against 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron damage in zebrafish and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells through the ROS/NO and AKT/GSK3β pathways

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, has been traditionally used in management of liver diseases and ageing associated neurodegeneration. The bioactive compound from this medicinal plant would be valuable for its potential use in prevention and treatment of Parkinson׳s disease. Aim of the Study: The overall objective of the present study was to understand the neuroprotective effect of schisantherin A, a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan from the fruit of S. chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. Material and Methods: This study investigated the protective effect of schisantherin A against selective dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neural damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and zebrafish models. Oxidative stress and related signaling pathways underlying the neuroprotective effect were determined by multiple biochemical assays and Western blot. Results: Pretreatment with schisantherin A offered neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cytotoxicity. Moreover, schisantherin A could prevent 6-OHDA-stimulated dopaminergic neuron loss in zebrafish. Our mechanistic study showed that schisantherin A can regulate intracellular ROS accumulation, and inhibit NO overproduction by down-regulating the over-expression of iNOS in 6-OHDA treated SH-SY5Y cells. Schisantherin A also protects against 6-OHDA-mediated activation of MAPKs, PI3K/Akt and GSK3β. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that schisantherin A may have potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal oxidative stress such as Parkinson׳s disease